WITHOUT MY GLOVES By MAIE CLEMENTS PERLEY Author of Not By Bread Alone DORRANCE CCMPANV In Memory of My Mother HANNAH CLEMENTS CONTENTS OHAPTEE PAGE PART I BIG TOWN I LlBBBTY 7 II SENSATIONS 21 III LINGO 30 IV BBOADWAY 39 V EATING 49 VI UNHOLY WEDLOCK 59 VTI RETICENCE 68 V3H CHICAGO 77 PART II TRAVEL INTERLUDE IX HUMAN FEEIGHT 95 X SOUTHWABD BOUND 115 XI POBTS OF CALL 131 XII GROSS COUNTBY 152 PART III SMALL TOWN XIII BLOOMINGTON 166 XTV SETTLING IN BLOOMINGTON 176 XV GETTING ACQUAINTED 185 XVI SOCIAL LIFE 204 XVH CAMPUS 226 Xvlll STUDENTS AND FACULTY 241 XTX SMALLEB TOWNS 259 XX KENTUCKY 272 PART ONE BIG TOWN CHAPTER I LIBERTY Six December storm-tossed days across the Atlan tic and America, the land of freedom, suddenly hove into sight. Giant skyscrapers appeared on all sides like slim, tapering pencils against the clouded background, and a pale sun struggling through the mist cast a circle of light about the Statue of Liberty. Her golden trappings and frosted torch glistened above the dull, leaden water while her cold eyes looked suspiciously down on the decks of the incom ing liner. The swarm of tourist passengers, culled from all corners of Europe, chattering in shrill, gut tural tones, were curiously stilled as they paused to return the stony stare of the goddess. Shawls - crept a little closer to shivering Polish shoulders. The white crimped headdresses of the Scandinavian women seemed to stiffen like taut sails in a chill breeze of apprehension. Families huddled closer protective paternal arms reached out to the children who, ceasing play, were squatting among the homely packages. The German frau filled the shadow of her big husband the Italian immigres nervously fingeredidentification cards and turned their large troubled eyes to the new land the group of German-Jewish 8 WITHOUT MY GLOVES refugees closed ranks and regarded each other with grave anxiety. All but Selma, the young bride among them, who was flushed and excited, and her happiness bubbled over like a refreshing spring. Walter will be there waiting for me on the docks, she said with shining eyes. Bight now he is there with my uncle my rich American uncle. Youre lucky nodded Mrs. Kahn. Everyone cant be so sure of things as you are. A second cousin somewhere down in California doesnt seem such a comfort to us just now. Sympathetic shrugs and murmurs of agreement issued from the group. It had been hinted once or twice during the voyage that the land of freedom had been known on occasion to deal harshly with the newcomers. At this moment, the rumor suddenly gained credence. Suspicion and fear tightened their cordon about them, but Selma quickly broke through with reassurances. Ah, dont worry so, Mrs. Kahn, she soothed. Havent I been telling you all the way over that my uncle is rich and that he has influence He will look after you all, I know. For thirty years he has been here and he has many powerful friends. You have no need to worry now. No need at all. Whatever happens, my uncle will see to it that you get in all right Her words were emphasized by vigorous thrusts of her small hands. Uncle was her gilt-edged secur ity, and she distributed him generously among her shipboard friends. Some of her confidence took effect and fear was temporarily pushed back a pace. They heard her with indulgent smiles and nods. Even Mrs. Kahaas expression relaxed. A wintry smile touched her lips as patting Selma shand she drew her into the center of the group. LIBERTY 9 Selma was still pouring out her reassurances when a khaki-clad official suddenly appeared on the scene and rasped out in a nasal voice that the Immigration Officials were now ready to deal with the aliens. The word had a harsh, forbidding sound which quickly siicceeded in routing the small measure of confidence. Quietly the aliens prepared to obey the summons as with sober faces they laid hands on rugs, bags and the many miscellaneous parcels littering the decks...